Rapala X-Rap Slashbaits

[smljaw]

Any opinions out there about this bait? I just bought one in a suspending style and look forward to trying it out. In the past I've always used Smithwicks with lots of success... You know how us fisherman are, always looking for that bait that will catch 'em better.

Also, I broke down and purchased some red trebel hooks to put on the front of some of my cranks and jerks. I'll be sure to report back at a later date with results. I hope I become a HUGE red hook fan!!! If nothing else it will add to my confidence level.

[mhall]

The x-rap jerkbaits are awesome, I've caught several 4lb plus fish on these and alot of them brown bass.

[mattk]

I used them last year in canada and the smallmouth loved them. The only problem was i had a hard time keeping the nothern pike off the line. I had to use a wire leader so the pike would not bite off the bait. It is great lure!

[elnutsmalljaws]

Bought 2 of them and threw them for several hours each day on last trip to Ky with no success but nothing caught them those days. I did try them for a little while Saturday morning without any success but did catch several fish on the fly in same area so I would presume fish were present and ready to eat but no takers. I did bury one of the hooks in my hand while palomaring on Saturday and can say the hooks absolutely passed the sharpness test without any hesitation. They sure do look nice in the package and will say they are the prettiest bait in my box but as far as putting fish in the boat I will reserve judgement until the next month or so is over for they will be used at Ky many times over. If they don't produce then, there is no hope for them as far as I am concerned.

Tight Lines

[smljaw]

I certainly agree that they are good looking in the package. I guess I purchased it because it looks so good and Rapala baits have alwasy caught fish for me. I plan to use it next month when the LM start eating up the jerk when dead sticking. I think getting rid of the feather wrapped back hook might be the way to go in clearer water. I'm thinking it may look more unnatural than natural when the bait is sitting still. Who knows... I'll keep you all posted if this bait does well for me.

[dpage70]

i'm with the rest of you. i own 4 of them now (since BPS suckered me in with a HUGE sale). i've only caught a few dinks on them but they sure look good coming through the water. i'd eat one if i were a fish.

[jeremys]

I've got a couple but haven't used them yet...I agree that they look really good but so do Pointers' and KVD's Wildeye shiner all of which I also have but haven't used yet. I've found that Wally World is the cheapest place by far...$5.76 each. Anyways I hope they work for all of us!!!!

[Chefdave]

Have a couple x-raps I bought last year. I have used them a couple of times with limited success. I will say, they look great coming through the water, Really nice action. On the red hooks, I only use them on shallow runners, nothing that dives more than say 8 ft. I think the red color is useless below 10 feet or so. I have noticed that the bass I have caught with lures that have red hooks, are almost always caught on the front (red) hook.

[adam7456]

I bought one at the end of last year and just played with it a bit while bottom fishing for stripers. I love the action and look that it has. In the hour I played with I had one small bass come out and look at it but that was it. I was impressed enough with it that I went out and bought a couple other colors. I too added the red hooks. Hopefully these baits will pull in some fish for me this year.